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My clown loaches arrived by FedEx two days ago. They're ~3" long; they only had 2 in stock but I plan to add 1 or 2 more.

I did a long acclimation and the tank lights were off all day. The next day I kept the room blinds open so the tank would first get light naturally as the sun rose, then about an hour later I actually turned the tank lights on.

I put in a piece of zucchini and yellow squash and gave the other fish their regular feeding. Tankmates are all peaceful; the only other bottom feeder is a sailfin plec that keeps to itself.

They're acting very shy, hiding in the back of the tank near or under driftwood. I haven't seen them touch the veggies.

Is this normal for new clowns in a tank, do they need more adjustment time?

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All fish take some time to adjust to a new tank & your CL's will be fine in a few days. Don't worry much, but try to see if they eat something, especially when it's dark, as they like to roam around when the tank lights are off.


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clowns are quite jumpy, especially the first day or two in the tank. they should calm down eventually, although they may still hide when you're around when the lights are on. i can sit right next to my tank, and my one clown will come out if i don't move for a while, but the second i shift positions it runs and hides somewhere i can't see it.

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Give them a few days to settle in. They are usually pretty shy at first but once the get comfortable look out....It's like putting 3yr old twins in the tank. I have three that are about 3 inches long now and they amuse me for hours. But for the first couple of days after I bought them home from the lfs they were a little shy and jumpy. Just keep an eye on them and make sure they dont start losing their colour too much.

They should be settled in and causing all kinds of chaos in your tank in no time. Mine enjoy uprooting plants, stirring up the gravel, playing in the current for hours. They are wonderful fish...Enjoy

i found with my clowns that they were quite shy when there was only 2 of them so i got two more and now my mbuna have to fight them to get a share of the food! i think their very comunal and if i had the space i would probably get 6 or 7 of em. realy brings up their peronality.

I agree with our friends above. It is likekly to be a combination of;
1. shyness due to small numbers
2. adjusting to a new house
3. the fact that they are more active at night/low light.

All the best for your crew of two!

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~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~

Theresa_M

Sounds like they are naturally shy, give them time to settle in. Dont give them any special food for a few days and they will come out. Then try a small amount of frozen Blood Worms.

Make sure they have a place of their own until they settle in.
If you have any add some Stress Coat (or similar name) this just might help a little bit.

Keith

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stress coat?what is it?